August Birthstone – Peridot

Green with envy? Let us ease that attitude with some peridot. The ancients thought this sparkling lime birthstone was a cure for envious thoughts. Peridot is the national gemstone of Egypt, and it has been suggested that some of the green stones that Cleopatra wore were actually peridot. In fact, as the science of gemology emerged and stones could be properly tested, microscopically viewed and accurately evaluated, many famous emeralds turned out to be peridot. One such instance involved the stones that adorn the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in the Cologne Cathedral.

Peridot crystals have been collected from pallasite meteorites and lava from deep in the Earth’s mantle. As one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, peridot’s tint depends on the amount of iron contained in its crystal structure. The most valued color is a dark olive-green. See our beautiful blends of peridot set with diamonds and white and yellow gold in earrings, necklaces and rings. So don’t envy; stop by and see the green.